- Cold Urticaria
- Interviews
Smalls1027's interview
How did all start?
A few winters ago I noticed my hands starting to swell after long exposure. Then my ears and nose would get red and hurt after exposure.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
No. They diagnosed me with Raynauds. Was even given medication for it which did nothing. The symptoms got worse and I researched on my own. Eventually found the ice test. This is how I found out.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Nothing. Just minimizing my exposure to cold. I can’t even wash my hands in cold water anymore without having a reaction.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Getting others to understand. Some people don’t believe that you can be allergic to the cold.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
My immediate family understands and tries to help. I don’t really tell anyone else unless I have to. My experience is that they don’t understand or laugh when you tell them. Or they act like it’s not a big deal. They think I just “get cold.” They don’t understand the gravity of my reactions.
What things have you stopped doing?
We have a small farm and it’s almost impossible to do chores outside in the winter. My husband bought me some warm work gloves but that doesn’t help my face. My husband had surgery in December - I was 9 months pregnant and had to feed all the animals (chickens- goats- turkeys- dog). This isn’t a 5 min task. But I still went as quickly as possible. I had on a pair of maternity pants that covered my belly- long sleeve shirt - and a carhart coat. Also wore gloves and toboggan. When I came in my belly was covered in hives as was my face. My husband wouldn’t let me go out anymore after that.
What do you think about the future?
I don’t really think about it much. I probably don’t take it as seriously as I should. I only think about it when I’m being affected. However, I have noticed my reactions are getting worse.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
I would enjoy not having to worry about covering every inch of my skin in the cold. Or even enjoy just washing some strawberries in the sink without my hands swelling up and hurting. Just some simple things.
